Faith, Mission 

& Identity

Student Leadership Commissioning Mass

On Tuesday, 29 October,  our community gathered at OLSH Church to formally commission our 2025 Student Leaders. Fr Michael, Assistant Parish Priest of OLSH, celebrated this mass as the new leaders pledged their commitment to the College. It was wonderful to celebrate this investiture ceremony together with the parents and families of our leaders.

Our leader's pledge was led by our 2025 College Captain, Isla Dindial, which I would like to share with you:

We, the 2025 Student Leadership Team of Brigidine College, accept the honour and responsibilities bestowed on us by our peers and the staff of the College. 

We promise to uphold the rich tradition of this College, to serve others with compassion, courage and friendship and to use our leadership for the good of all. 

We declare before the College community that we will undertake our responsibilities with integrity, respect and fairness. 

We promise to be true to the Charism of St Brigid, showing courage in our actions and compassion to all. 

We commit to upholding the values of this College and working with all as exemplars of Catholic education.

In all things, we pledge to uphold the spirit of Fortiter et Sauviter – with strength and gentleness.

Christmas Appeal Update – Supporting Candice’s Kitchen

The generosity of our community is shining brightly as donations pour in for our Christmas Appeal supporting Candice’s Kitchen. This important initiative continues the legacy of the Brigidine Sisters, who have always championed care and compassion for those in need. By supporting Canice’s Kitchen, we are helping to provide l support to vulnerable members of our wider community, especially during this festive season. 

Congratulations to Aquinas House, which has taken a significant and growing lead just two weeks into the appeal! 

Let’s honour the spirit of the Brigidine tradition and keep the momentum going—there’s still time for all Houses to close the gap and make this appeal genuinely unforgettable. Together, we can bring hope and joy to many this Christmas.

Entering into Advent: A Season of Joy, Anticipation, and Hope

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, 

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” 

(Luke 2:10)

Next Sunday, we enter into the Advent Season. 

Advent is a season filled with anticipation and wonder—a time to prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a season of hope, as we reflect on the promise of God’s love made manifest in Jesus. Advent invites us to embrace the beauty of waiting, much like Mary and Joseph did so long ago, as they trusted in God’s plan despite their fears and uncertainties.

Their journey was not easy: travelling to Bethlehem, enduring whispers of judgement, and facing the reality of welcoming the Saviour into the world in a humble stable. Yet, amid these struggles, their hope and faith shone brightly. In the face of hardship, God brought forth great joy—Jesus, our Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Advent reminds us that even in moments of difficulty, loneliness, or grief, God is near. Through the trials we face, we are called to look beyond our struggles and embrace the hope and peace that Jesus brings. The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds echoes to us today: “Fear not.” In Christ, we find the reassurance that God is with us—offering love, forgiveness, and the promise of salvation.

This Advent, let us prepare our hearts with joyful anticipation. Let us reflect on the hope found in the manger and the promise that God is always coming to us. Fear not, for this is the Good News of great joy—for all people, for all time!

Refection adapted from Layman's Walk: A Reflection Entering Advent

Reminder: Year 10 Retreat

Action Required:

Special Dietary Requirements: A separate email has been sent by Collaroy 360 to the primary contact listed on Compass. Please follow the instructions in this email to indicate any special dietary needs:

1. Read the Disclaimer and select “Go to Form.”
2. Keep “Are we providing all meals?” set to “Yes.”
3. Choose “Yes” or “No” for Special Dietary Requirements, and complete relevant fields if applicable.
4. Click “Submit” once finished.

If dietary requirements are not declared in advance, any meal changes requested during the retreat will incur a $15 per day charge, invoiced post-retreat.

Jamie Lee Wood

Director of Religious Education & Mission